oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz 

1

: a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)

The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.

2

: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Examples of oasis in a Sentence

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work.

Recent Examples on the Web

The backyard oasis boasts a sparkling in-ground pool and expansive patio, perfect for embracing the California lifestyle. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025

And, here in Rancho Mirage, the duo’s captivating sense of color and linear proportions is honored via the desert oasis. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

The Florida oasis also nabbed the No. 4 spot on Tripadvisor's 2025 Best of the Best Beaches in the World. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025

Designer Paul Marlow, who has made bespoke menswear his signature, opened his debut store in the desert oasis. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Oasis, referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek Óasis (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian wḥꜢ.t "fertile area in the desert"

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oasis

• basis
• glacis
• mesas
• stasis
• anabasis
• cholestasis
• haemostasis
• hemostasis
• hypostasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis

Kids Definition

oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz 

1

: a fertile or green spot in a desert

2

: something or some place that provides refreshing relief